Gun storage carousel

ABSTRACT

A gun carousel  100  including a main post  102  secured to a base  104,  a center wing  106  secured to the middle portion of main post  102,  and a top cabinet  108  secured to the upper end of main post  102.  The base  104  incorporates slots  110  for receiving rifle butts, while the center wing  106  incorporates a set of cutouts  112  for receiving rifle upper portions. Top cabinet  108  has a top panel  114,  a bottom panel  116,  side panels  118,  and doors  120  secured by hinges  122.  Doors  120  may incorporate inserts  124  having images thereon. Bottom panel  116  connects to main post  102  through a flange  126.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority from provisional patent application Serial No. 60/438,458 filed on Jan. 7, 2003.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to storage of long firearms. Specifically, the present invention relates to a gun storage carousel.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Persons enjoying sporting activities such as hunting and fishing have a need for a convenient place to store their gear. It is desirable that such storage space be sturdy and reliable. It is also desirable to be able to store all of one's equipment in a single place. Hunting enthusiasts and gun collectors usually have a very sizable investment in the rifles, shotguns and pistols in their collections. However, most home-owners do not have a suitable place to store expensive firearms where they are secure against thieves and inaccessible to children. Thus the need exists for a cabinet suitable for use in the home and where guns or other valuables can be securely stored.

[0004] A large number of gun owners store their prized firearms in a gun safe. The typical safe consists of an upright steel box that has a hinged door on the front. On the inside, the safe has a liner that is notched to support the rifles and shotguns. Handguns and accessories can be placed on shelves above the long guns and on the door. While this type of safe provides the most secure way to store guns, the way that the liner is designed makes it difficult to insert or remove the long guns. This may force the owner to remove one or more guns before he can remove the gun that he wants. Removing extra guns is inconvenient, and there is a chance of bumping the guns together.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention is a rotating stand that provides a safe, convenient way to store firearms. The present invention consists of a carousel that could be placed in a gun safe or directly on a floor or table. The carousel may be mounted on a base reinforced by crossmembers. A post secured to the center of the base accepts a cylindrical bearing collar that is mounted on the bottom of a round disk forming the bottom of the carousel. The base features recesses along each side of the carousel to hold the butt end of gun stocks. The disk may be fitted with a round wood or plastic overlay that is recessed to hold the butt of 12 rifles or shotguns. The recesses may be arranged in four sets and could be lined with felt, carpeting or a similar material so that the guns are not scratched.

[0006] The upright post holds a structure that is notched to support the barrels of the guns. The structure may have a hole in the center to fit around the upright post, and the upright post may incorporate features so that the structure could be adjusted to the desired height and secured. The notches on the structure may be arranged in four groups with three notches in each group. Flat shelves or other features may be mounted on the center upright post to provide storage space for small items.

[0007] The top of the upright post may be fitted with a cylindrical storage container. A set of one or more doors may be spaced around the perimeter of the storage area to provide access to small compartments that may hold handguns, ammunition, cleaning supplies, etc. The storage area may be produced from wood, and various game animals and birds may be laser carved into the surface for an attractive appearance. A sculpture of a deer or another animal could also be mounted on top of the storage area to enhance the appearance. In addition, lights may be mounted on the underside of the storage area to illuminate the firearms.

[0008] The present invention may be incorporated into the production of a gun safe produced in the conventional manner. The safe could be offered with or without fireproof insulation and with various options such as different locks and handles. The exterior could also be offered in various colors. The present invention could be sold separately for installation in an existing safe or for use as a freestanding floor or tabletop display.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention, reference is now made to the detailed description of the invention along with the accompanying figures in which corresponding numerals in the different figures refer to corresponding parts and in which:

[0010]FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional view of a gun carousel according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0011]FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional view of a top cabinet of the gun carousel of FIG. 1;

[0012]FIG. 3 is a three-dimensional interior view of the top cabinet of FIG. 2;

[0013]FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the top cabinet of FIG. 2;

[0014]FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the base of the gun carousel of FIG. 1;

[0015]FIG. 6 is a top view of the base of FIG. 5; and

[0016]FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the center wing assembly of the gun carousel of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] While the making and using of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below with reference to certain contexts, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention and do not delimit the scope of the invention.

[0018] The present invention is designed to provide a convenient new insert that may be placed in a gun safe to save time and increase the owner's convenience. The invention consists of a rotating stand that can hold the rifles and shotguns upright. The top support may be vertically adjustable to hold guns with long or short barrels, and the notches may be arranged to maximize the storage space. The notch configuration keeps the guns apart so that each gun may be quick and easy to remove. The rotating action may also allow the owner to turn the stand so that the gun that he wants is in the front and can be removed easily. This may be considerably quicker and easier than removing a couple guns before the desired one can be removed. Eliminating the need to remove a few guns may also reduce the chances of bumping the guns together. In addition, eliminating the need to handle multiple guns may eliminate the need to wipe the guns off with oil so that they do not rust. Naturally, the rotating action may also make it easier to insert a gun.

[0019] The rotating carousel may also include a cylindrical top compartment that may provide space for storing handguns, ammunition, and accessories. The compartment may include folding doors that may allow quick, easy access. The doors may be adorned with carved game animals and birds for an attractive appearance. Lights could also be included on the bottom of the compartment to illuminate the long guns. In addition, a sculpture of a game animal or bird could be mounted on the top of the compartment to further enhance the appearance.

[0020] The present invention could be offered with a new gun safe or sold separately for installation in an existing safe. As with existing safes, new safes including this feature could be offered with various options and in different price ranges to meet the needs and fit the budget of all buyers. The aftermarket model may appeal to a gun owner who already has a safe but is not satisfied with the existing liner. Since the shelves and supports in most safes are easy to remove, it may be a simple matter to remove the existing liner and install the present invention. If desired, the rotating stand could also be bolted to the floor of the safe for additional security. In addition, the present invention could also be placed on the floor or on a table and used to openly display long guns. This may allow a gun owner to show off his guns when he has company in his home. A gun shop or a gun dealer at a show could also use the present invention as a freestanding display.

[0021] The present invention is designed to provide a gun owner or dealer with a safe, convenient way to store firearms. The product may consist of a rotating carousel that could be placed in a gun safe or used alone as a freestanding unit. The carousel may have a recessed disk on the bottom to hold the end of the butt stock and a movable top disk that may be notched hold the barrel. The butt stock recesses and barrel notches may be arranged to hold up to 12 rifles and/or shotguns. The rotating design may allow the carousel to be turned until the desired gun is in the front and could be inserted or removed easily. This may eliminate the need to waste time and effort removing a couple guns. The chances of bumping the guns together while inserting or removing one may also be reduced.

[0022] The present invention may be installed as a replacement for the existing liner in a gun safe. The carousel could be included with a new safe or sold separately so that a buyer could replace the liner in a safe that he already owns. If desired, the freestanding model could also be placed on the floor or on a table to display firearms at home, in a gun shop, or at a gun show.

[0023] The upright that forms the center post of the carousel may also include a cylindrical storage container and a set of optional shelves. The storage container may be mounted on the top of the upright and could include a set of hinged access doors. The doors could be adorned by carvings of game birds and animals. A small figure of a game bird or animal could also be mounted on the top to enhance the decorative appearance. In addition, lights could be mounted on the bottom of the storage container to illuminate the long guns.

[0024]FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional view of a gun carousel according to one embodiment of the present invention. Gun carousel 100 includes a main post 102 secured to a base 104, a center wing 106 secured to the middle portion of main post 102, and a top cabinet 108 secured to the upper end of main post 102. The base 104 incorporates slots 110 for receiving rifle butts (not shown), while the center wing 106 incorporates a set of cutouts 112 for receiving rifle upper portions (not shown).

[0025]FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional view of a top cabinet of the gun carousel of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a three-dimensional interior view of the top cabinet of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the top cabinet of FIG. 2. Top cabinet 108 has a generally-octagonal shape, though other shapes will be known to those of skill in the art. Top cabinet 108 has a top panel 114, a bottom panel 116, side panels 118, and doors 120 secured by hinges 122. Doors 120 incorporate inserts 124 having images thereon. Bottom panel 116 connects to main post 102 through a flange 126.

[0026]FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the base of the gun carousel of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a top view of the base of FIG. 5. Base 104 includes a lower disc portion 128 having a bearing 130 connected thereto, to allow for rotation of the gun carousel 100. Base 104 also includes an upper disc portion 132 having slots cut therein, so as to receive the butts of rifles disposed in the carousel 100. Base 104 is connected to main post 102 by a threaded connection 134.

[0027]FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the center wing assembly 106 of the gun carousel 100 of FIG. 1. Center wing assembly 106 is secured to main post 102 by a flange 136. Center wing assembly 106 has four arms 138, each having cutouts 140 for receiving the upper portions of rifles (not shown) disposed in the gun carousel 100.

[0028] Whereas the invention has been shown and described in connection with the preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that many modifications, substitutions and additions may be made which are within the intended broad scope of the invention described herein. There has therefore been shown and described an improved gun carousel which accomplishes a number of advantages. 

1. A gun carousel comprising: a main post secured to a base; a center wing secured to a middle portion of the main post; and a top cabinet secured to the upper end of main post.
 2. The gun carousel of claim 1 wherein the post is cylindrical.
 3. The gun carousel of claim 1 wherein the center wing comprises two or more cutouts.
 4. The gun carousel of claim 1 wherein the center wing comprises two or more sets of cutouts.
 5. The gun carousel of claim 1 wherein the base comprises two or more slots.
 6. The gun carousel of claim 1 wherein the base comprises two or more sets of slots.
 7. The gun carousel of claim 1 wherein the center wing comprises two or more cutouts, and the base comprises one slot corresponding to each cutout in the center wing.
 8. A gun carousel comprising: a main post secured to a base, the base incorporating slots having a shape for receiving rifle butts; a center wing secured to a middle portion of the main post; and a top cabinet secured to the upper end of main post.
 9. The gun carousel of claim 8 wherein the main post is cylindrical.
 10. The gun carousel of claim 8 wherein the center wing comprises cutouts.
 11. The gun carousel of claim 10 wherein the cutouts in the center wing correspond to the slots in the base.
 12. The gun carousel of claim 8 wherein the top cabinet is polygonal.
 13. The gun carousel of claim 8 wherein the top cabinet comprises one or more doors.
 14. The gun carousel of claim 13 wherein the top cabinet comprises four doors.
 15. A gun carousel comprising: a main post secured to a circular base, the base incorporating slots having a shape for receiving rifle butts and a bearing for allowing rotation of the base relative to the ground; a center wing, having a cross shape and having cutouts, secured to a middle portion of the main post; and an octagonal top cabinet, secured to the upper end of main post, having a top panel, a bottom panel, side panels, and doors secured by hinges.
 16. The gun carousel of claim 15 wherein each slot in the base corresponds to a cutout in the center wing.
 17. The gun carousel of claim 15 wherein the top cabinet comprises two or more doors.
 18. The gun carousel of claim 17 wherein the top cabinet comprises four doors.
 19. The gun carousel of claim 15 wherein at least one door in the top cabinet comprises a removable decorative insert.
 20. The gun carousel of claim 8 wherein the top cabinet comprises four doors, each comprising a removable decorative insert. 